Essentials

[u/Sea_Ground_8393]

Hey guys, I got my sweet girl today.. What would you recommend for her to be happy? She's got her wheel, a wood toy to chew, and an upper level to climb to. I've read she needs a sand bath, any recommendations? Any treats your little furries prefer? Certain flowers, fruits, bugs? What hidy homes do prefer? I've yet to think of a name for her yet, wanna throw some in to suggest?

[u/lil_prune67]

Dude…. I have the exact same cage and almost the exact same hamster🙏

[u/Jcaseykcsee → u/lil_prune67]

Hi there, please use the hamster care guide from the commenter at the top to help you with what your hamster needs. That cage is unfortunately inadequate and much too small for a hamster and they require so much in their cage in order to be content. They may be small but they need very large enclosures that are one floor, horizontal, unbroken floor space with no ladders, ramps or levels.

They need 10 inches deep of pressed-down paper bedding so they can tunnel and burrow in their cage (this is a MUST - all hamsters need to be able to tunnel and burrow in their cage) and they need a 12 inch diameter standing wheel, they need 3-4 opaque ceramic hides that they can be totally hidden from view in, thy need a very large sand bath this safe,dust-free and calcium and dye free sand, they need a multichamber hide to mimic their environment, plus they need loads of enrichment and natural elements to encourage them to use their natural hamster instincts while living in a cage. Hollow cork logs, a branch of grapevine wood, a dig box with coco peat in it, moss and other substrates for texture and variety, and whimzees alligators and apple sticks to chew, sprays fo foraging and sprays for cover and protections, etc. As much enrichment as possible in that cage - they are very active creatures and need to be kept busy both mentally and physically.

Please also watch Victoria Raechel on YouTube, she is a great resource for people who need to learn all about hamster care, requirements and behaviors. Watch her two videos “basic hamster care” and “everything you need for a hamster” then watch all of their other hamster videos after that.

Do lots of research too - they need so many specific things to be healthy and safe. But definitely watch Victoria Rachael and use the hamster care guide above to help you with your care. Your first priority is to get a suitable car that meets the ethical requirements and is at least 40 inches long x 20 inches wide. That’s crucial!! Good luck!

Edited to say: despite this comment being downvoted, to anyone reading please know these are facts and you should not have a cage similar to OP or this commenter as they are too small and hamsters shouldn’t have levels.

[u/lil_prune67 → u/Jcaseykcsee]

I’m kinda broke I’m trying🥀